Evaluation of propranolol in opiate dependence
R. B. Resnick, R. S. Kestenbaum, L. K. Schwartz and A. Smith
Among the increasing number of recent reports of the use of beta-adrenergic
blocking drugs for a variety of psychiatric disorders is a series
concluding that propranolol hydrochloride is efficacious in the treatment
of opiate dependence. These reports were based on clinical observations of
outpatient addicts in an uncontrolled situation. In order to validate these
findings, we carried out a series of controlled, double-blind studies with
hospitalized volunteers. The results of our studies do not confirm the
previous reports. Propranolol neither relieved nor precipitated opiate
withdrawal in subjects dependent either on dihydromorphinone hydrochloride
or on heroin. It did not effectively block heroin-induced euphoria in
dependent or nondependent subjects. In addition, there was no effect on the
pattern of self-administration in opiate-dependent subjects, whether they
were maintained on propranolol or placebo.